Positive Attitudes

Positive Attitudes lead to Better Learning

It is so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to. — Annie Gottlier

Students may be surprised to learn how their eating, drinking, exercising, and sleeping have such strong effects on learning. But most students truly appreciate the importance of confidence, motivation and willpower on their learning.

Margo is carrying a heavy load of books for her research paper, but she isn’t overwhelmed by the task. Just look at her face and you know she is confident, highly motivated and determined to do a good job.

Sometimes we hear students explain why their grades are so poor.
“I just can’t get motivated.”
” It would be so much easier if I had more confidence.”
“I can’t help it. I set my goals and even prepared a study schedule. I just don’t have the willpower to stick to my schedule.”

These students should read and understand this statement by William James.

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes. — William James

In his time, he was just talking about deciding to change your attitudes. What would have surprised him in what research has shown recently about the possibility of really increasing our willpower.

Attitudes are a little thing that make a big difference. — Winston Churchill.

Yes, we all understand how important attitudes are. What we don’t know…what we really need to understand is that we are not born with our attitudes. We do not have to live with poor self-confidence, with low motivation, or without willpower.

You have the POWER to CHANGE Your Attitudes

This section is about learning to develop more positive attitudes. And, when you improve your attitudes, you also improve your learning skills, make higher grades, and enjoy learning more.